The North Saanich resident was a double gold medallist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in flat water rowing and stepped into an organizing role to get Coastal Rowing to Sidney.

Victoria was awarded the rowing championships following a groundswell of support from coastal rowers across Canada, with hundreds of local volunteers and sponsors stepping in to help the Town of Sidney and Greater Victoria host the four-day event.

There will be food trucks, local vendors, a beer/wine garden and free admission for spectators. A beach cleanup is also scheduled for Oct. 14, hosted by Surfrider Vancouver Island.

This event has strong connections to four local First Nations who are hosting the event on their traditional territory. Grade 4 and 5 students from ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School will welcome the rowers with dancing and singing.

All 48 coastal rowing boats provided for the championship will be available for purchase by local rowing clubs after the event wraps up on Oct. 14.